Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, second only to CO2 in contributing to global warming in recent years. Limiting these emissions is at the top of the sustainability agenda for dairy producers, but it’s no mean feat; even the biggest players in the world can’t stop cows from burping. We catch up with dairy major Danone to ask how it’s approaching the methane challenge in dairy.

Chair: Nicholas Robinson, Editor, Food-Navigator Europe

The EUDR deadline is fast approaching. Although developed with good intentions, could unintended consequences mar regulators’ ambitions? What is certain is that without industry compliance, the law will have no effect. We ask which hurdles food and beverage makers are racing to overcome – and will they make it in time?

Chair: Augustus Bambridge-Sutton, Reporter, Food-Navigator Europe

When it comes to large-scale crop cultivation, hazelnut is still in its development phase. As such, the famed Nutella ingredient comes with interesting challenges and sustainability hotspots. We catch up with the Ferrero Hazelnut Company to ask how it’s leveraging pilot plots, regenerative agriculture, and partnerships to tackle the sector’s biggest challenges.

Chair: Flora Southey, Editor, Food-Navigator Europe

Pigeon peas, baobab fruit, taro and Bambara groundnuts, these are just some of the so-called forgotten foods – otherwise known as ‘ancient’ or ‘orphan’ foods – grown across Africa. But on a continent plagued by malnutrition, many varieties have been neglected in favour of less sustainable, and often less nutritious crops. Which forgotten foods have the potential to feed the masses?

Despite great progress being made, the transition to more sustainable farming presents significant challenges and risks for farmers. Besides training, financial incentives and assurances of a green premium to mitigate these risks are crucial to encourage the adoption of regenerative farming practices, especially on small farms. Südzucker sees enhancing farmers' resilience against climate risks as a collective responsibility and hence partnering with the entire value chain, right up to the consumer. Therefore, they are consolidating regenerative farming now under their initiative Connected Collective, a measurement based and outcome-oriented approach with a focus on CO2 reductions and fostering biodiversity. To Südzucker, regenerative agriculture is a context-specific, not a one-size-fits-all solution; it must be holistic, respect socio-economic aspects, and aim towards measurable outcomes.

The year 2024 will be remembered for soaring commodity costs, from cocoa to sugar and coffee. While several factors are driving price hikes, it’s difficult to look past the big one: climate change. From regenerative agriculture to drought resistant varieties and support for farmers, which sustainable practices can best ensure these ingredients’ futures?

Chair: Augustus Bambridge-Sutton, Reporter, Food-Navigator Europe